Category: Tribal Members

The Tribal Wills Project from University of Denver offers a March Clinic

In March, there will be another tribal wills clinic in the Farmington area at the Nenahnezad Chapter House. The clinic will take place March 24-28, 2025.

The Tribal Wills Clinic is a group of volunteers including law students and licensed attorneys, who donate their time to help Tribal Members write wills. The services are free and the process takes about 4 hours, spread over two days.

Please contact Mr. John Roach at (505) 716-6788 for more information.

The Southern Ute Wildlife Division’s Big Game Survey underway

The week of January 13 – 17, 2025 the Wildlife Division will be conducting its annual aerial big game survey across the Southern Ute Reservation.   If you are out in the field during the week you can expect to see a helicopter flying at low elevation during day light hours across trust lands on both the east and west sides of the reservation.  The Wildlife Division conducts this annual census of mule deer, elk and other wildlife to gauge population trends and herd health.

Please contact the Southern Ute Wildlife Division at (970) 563-0130 with any questions about this project.

 

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience 01/08/2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the award of two significant federal grants totaling $4.25 million. These grants awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program will support Tribes in preparing for climate-related environmental threats proactively.
The Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department received $250,000 for the “Pine River Watershed Assessment and Restoration Plan.” This funding will support the development of a comprehensive plan to restore and protect the Tribe’s waterways. Key objectives include:
  • Ecological Restoration: Implementing measures to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
  • Soil Conservation: Implementing best practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
  • Drought Mitigation: Developing strategies to minimize the impact of drought on water resources and agricultural activities.
The Tribe’s Water Resources Division received $4 million to support the “Building Drought Resiliency to Irrigation Infrastructure Vulnerability” project. This funding will be used to:
  • Improve Irrigation Infrastructure: Install Long Crested Weirs on the Pine River Canal to enhance water delivery efficiency and minimize water losses during drought periods.
  • Rebuild Tribal Headings: Reinforce and modernize 7 Tribal headings along the Pine River Canal to ensure reliable water delivery for Tribal agricultural operations.
“The Southern Ute Indian Reservation is not exempt from the impacts of climate change. As we adapt to changing landscapes and environmental challenges, the Tribe will ensure the funding is used effectively for critical water delivery infrastructure and restoration and conservation projects that align with our role as natural resource stewards and wildlife protectors,” shared Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box.
Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose expressed, “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our Environmental Programs Department and Water Resources Division in securing these crucial grants. These funds will empower us to proactively address the pressing challenges of climate change, drought, and will assist us in preparation for an earlier Spring and longer Fall season.  This also allows us to preemptively address water seepage and evaporation, which are ongoing issues within all laterals, canals, and rivers.  Lastly this funding positions the Tribe to be better prepared for long-term sustainability of our precious water resources and to demonstrate that we are leading by example for the serious conversation regarding water management within the Colorado River Basin and as a leader within Indian Country.”
These projects represent a significant step forward in the Tribe’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the challenges of climate change. By investing in sustainable water management practices and ecological restoration, the Tribe is securing its long-term water security and protecting its valuable natural resources for future generations.
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For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Attends Opening of the 75th Session of the Colorado General Assembly

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025

Chairman Baker Attends Opening of the 75th Session of the Colorado General Assembly

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker was invited by President of the Senate, James Coleman to provide remarks during the opening session for the 75th session of Colorado General Assembly this morning at the State Capitol, highlighting the shared priorities of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the State of Colorado in upholding shared values:

“On behalf of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, I am pleased to welcome our State Legislators back for the next session of the Colorado General Assembly. Since time immemorial, we have maintained a deep connection and stewardship for the beautiful land and natural resources that we all cherish,” shared Chairman Baker.

“Our culture remains rich and vibrant, despite a challenging history. Through foresight, financial planning, and technical expertise, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a leader across Indian Country and a unique partner for the State. Our strong government-to-government relationship with the State, founded on mutual respect, a shared understanding, and a steadfast commitment to honoring the treaties and agreements made with our ancestors – all with the shared goal of a brighter future – has been a model. It is a relationship that we are continually working on and improving.”

During the ceremony, Chairman Baker addressed the Senate, sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe with state legislators, as well as the Tribe’s unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty and emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a strong government-to-government relationship with the State of Colorado. The Chairman underscored that we are a sovereign nation, and we will continue to exercise our inherent rights, protect our lands, and safeguard our culture for generations to come. Chairman Baker urged the General Assembly to always be mindful of the two sovereign Tribes within the State.

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To view the Chairman’s remarks, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/zrPf3rxc1nk?feature=shared&t=2207Chairman Baker Statement on the Opening of the 75th Session of the Colorado General Assembly Press Release 01082025 PDF

Permanent Fund Office Closure Notice 01/09/2025

President Biden has declared Thursday, January 9, a National Day of Mourning to remember the life and legacy of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, and has issued an Executive Order for the closure of federal offices.

In alignment, Tribal Council has approved the closure of the Permanent Fund offices on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Sky Ute Casino Resort, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will remain open.

Permanent Fund business hours will resume on Friday, January 10, 2025.

The Southern Ute Tribal Council approves and adopts Title 33 – Overriding Royalty Interest Code

PUBLIC NOTICE

On December 17, 2024, the Southern Ute Tribal Council approved and adopted Title 33– Overriding Royalty Interest Code in Resolution No. 2024-248.

 

The effective date is January 1, 2025.

 

The Title 33-Overriding Royalty Code can be found on the Tribal government Law and Order Code website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/ (opens in new tab)

Printed hard copies of the codes may be obtained from the Tribal Information Services Department at:

Email: TIS@southernute-nsn.gov

Mail: Southern Ute Indian Tribe, P.O. Box 737, 356 Ouray Drive, Ignacio, CO 81137

Phone: (970) 563-2208

Website: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/ (opens in new tab)

For further information please contact: Amy Barry, Tribal Information Services Department, abarry@southernute-nsn.gov, (970) 563-2250.

Southern Ute Construction & Project Management Update Status on the Ute Vocational School Demolition and Construction

Please see the attached document for the Ute Vocational School – Head Start Building Demolition Project Completion Notification and Update. Should you have any questions related to the project, please contact the Southern Ute Construction and Project Management Department by calling (970) 563-4710. The website will continue to be updated accordingly as projects progress or upon completion.

Ute Vocational School/Head Start Building Demolition – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Gavin S. Martinez
Director of Housing, Construction, & Project Management
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Office: (970) 563-4710

Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe extends its deepest condolences to the Carter family during this difficult time. President Carter’s life was a testament to remarkable service, leadership, and unwavering advocacy. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the lives of countless individuals, including those within our Tribal community.
President Carter’s commitment to justice and equality is evident in the landmark legislation he signed:
  • The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) recognized the inherent right of Native Americans to practice their traditional religions, including the use of sacred sites and ceremonial objects.
  • The Tribal Controlled Community College Assistance Act empowered Tribal Nations to establish and operate their own higher education institutions, fostering self-determination and cultural preservation.
  • The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) strengthened Tribal sovereignty and ensured the well-being of Native American children by prioritizing their placement with family members or within their Tribal communities.
These acts represent a significant step forward in recognizing and upholding the rights and sovereignty of Tribal Nations. The flags on Tribal campus will be lowered until his funeral services on Thursday, January 9, 2025.